Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
Tacloban City–Healthy meal equals healthy body. To promote wellness through proper nutrition by encouraging the consumption of healthy meals served with fish, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 8 launched its Feeding Program in selected elementary schools in the region, starting in Brgy. San Miguelay in Sta. Fe, Leyte on September 18, 2025.
Nearly 70 learners from the school enjoyed a hearty meal of tilapia fillet, squash cooked in coconut milk, and rice—prepared by the Regional Freshwater Aquaculture Production Center (RFAPC). The said feeding activity in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) was launched during the 62nd Fish Conservation Week to highlight the nutritional benefits of fish consumption among school children while at the same time raising awareness on the importance and benefits of aquafarming.
“𝐾𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜 𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑜𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑖 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛,” was the reminder shared by BFAR 8 OIC, Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol to the eager learners of San Miguelay Elementary School, underscoring the importance of giving children a healthy and balanced diet that supports their growth, wellness, and academic performance.
BFAR 8 also introduced the potential of developing fishponds with solar-powered hydraulic pump in elementary schools that have suitable areas for aqua-farming. This initiative is envisioned not only to provide nutritious and sustainable meals for schoolchildren but also to serve as an innovative Income Generating Program (IGP) for the school, in close partnership with their Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). In the long run, it aims to contribute to food security, strengthen community involvement, and promote a culture of self-reliance among young learners and their families.
